Linda Helms

I will be offering a 2 session  Raku workshop this Fall on Sunday, Oct 29th from 9:30am to 3;30 pm The glazing will take place on Friday Oct 27th from 2 to 4pm 

The workshop will have a limit of 6 participants. For this workshop, you must be a member of the Clay Hub to work in the studio. Or have your own space to work in independently on your own.

Raku-fired pieces are decorative and are not meant to be used with food as the clay after this type of low firing is too porous and cannot hold liquids. Also, the oxides that make up a part of the glazes are not fired to a high enough temperature to be safe with food. 

However, you may think of creating decorative functional pieces which have other specific uses:

- Wall Sconces,

- Lamp bases ( consider the hardware and space needed for the neck area where the bulb is attached as well as considering where the cord exits a form) 

- Fish wall hangings, 

- Candle holders, 

- Decorative platters and bowls.

- Sculptural pieces ( hollow)

-  Containers with lids or without lids

-  Decorative vases

- Masks. 

Doing a google search can bring up new ideas as well.

Note: adding texture to pieces can enhance a form!!

Guidelines:  6 pieces per participant for the firing day. You may want to make more than 6 and then choose your best 6 for the firing. Your pieces need to be bisqued and ready to be glazed on Friday Oct 27th 

Some guidelines for sizes:

Due to the size of the kiln you will be limited to the length, width, and height of the pieces.

Maximum height for all pieces 10 inches ( 25cm)

Maximum width for cylindrical/symmetrical pieces: 5 inches (13cm)

Maximum width and length for oval-type shapes: 8 inches long, ( 20.5cm) 4 1/2 inches wide ( 12cm)

Maximum length, width, and depth for flatter type forms: Length 12 inches (31cm), width 8 inches ( 20.5cm)

depth 3 1/2 inches (9cm) (** flatter pieces need to be able to stand on one side for firing in order to accommodate other pieces in the same firing.) 

**In order for everyone to have a chance to fire a larger piece or two consider a variety of sizes. For example two larger, two medium, and two smaller pieces within the guidelines suggested.**

During this one-day raku workshop, I will also be introducing an Obvara Firing technique also done in a raku kiln. This is an ancient East European tradition that uses a mixture of yeast, flour, and water to seal a piece after it has been heated up. I encourage you to prepare one piece for this experience. I also suggest this piece be highly textured by carving, adding clay, or any other method you come up with for texturing ( This piece will be considered as one of your 6)

Note: Covid 19 protocals, Masks are optional,but still sanitize when entering the studio. Bring your own apron and hand towels to take home please.

Instructor: Linda Helms

Intermediate skill level

Ages: 18+ 

Min: 4      Max: 6  ( wait list available)

1st Day: 2pm to 4pm.  Glazing pre bisqued pieces.

2nd Day: Rakuing 9:30 to 3:30. firing your pieces. 

Once registered you will need a copy of this receipt to show to the monitor you have registered for the class. Then you can buy your bag of  WSO clay from the studio to work on your pieces independently.

Cost: $ 135.00 +GST 

 Clay is sold separately at the studio. WSO raku clay $67.80 one 25lb bag plus GST 

Email Linda if the class is full to be added to her waitlist. linda.helms@hotmail.ca